www.patrappers.com

 

President — Brian Mohn, 138 Farview Road, Hamburg, PA 19526; 610-562-1790; papatrees@aol.com

Vice President East — Joel Whitehead, 845 Snake Hill Road, Thompson, PA 19526; 570-756-2714; JFRED@nep.net

Vice President West — Charlie Sykes, 1265 Airport Road, Stoneboro, PA 16153; trapper_66@windstream.net

Secretary — Don Klinger, 522 S. Pancoast, Reynoldsville, PA 15851; 814-371-1170; advantage16@verizon.net

Treasurer — Donna Spittle, P.O. Box 708, Hummelstown, PA 17036; 717-239-9267; spittlefam@paonline.com

Editor — Ed Price, 3833 Old Newburg Turnpike, Union Dale, PA 18470; 570-679-2318; pricee@nep.net

NTA Director — David Shuttleworth, 5452 Tamarack Drive, Sharpsville, PA 16150; 724-962-4260; dianeshutts@aol.com

FTA Director — Mark Kasten, RR2 Box 2287, Hallstead, PA 18822; 570-278-2553; willsher@epix.net

Public Relations Director — Barry Warner, P.O. Box 223, Dallas, PA 18612; 570-675-7041; beavernbass@comcast.net

Website Designer — Barbie Bankston; barbiebankston@gmail.com

 

Membership Options:

Individual membership including subscription to T&PC — $30

Individual membership without subscription — $10

Junior, age 16 and under without subscription — $5

Lifetime membership with subscription — $500

Lifetime membership without subscription — $250

 

Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:

PTA Treasurer

Donna Spittle

P.O. Box 708

Hummelstown, PA 17036

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Here we are 2014. Depending on when you’re reading this it could be the New Year or just few days away. One thing we have no control over is time, but making the most of your time is up to you. Therefore, I wanted to remind you of a very important date. Through the advanced delivery of the Trapper and Predator Caller, it allows you to make the most of this opportunity if you act in a timely manner. As of January 1st, 2014 the PTA Membership fees will increase as follows: Lifetime with publication $500; Senior Lifetime w/ publication $250; Senior Lifetime w/o publication $200; Yearly membership w/ publication $30. All communications must be postmarked by December 31st, 2013 for the old rate to be effective.

Our organization is experiencing an increase in membership and I want to thank all of our new members as well as our longtime supporters. Our current board of officers will continue to work for the betterment of all trappers. In the past year we have supported trappers all across the United States (including California, Montana, Oregon and most recently Maine and Michigan) to fight for our right to trap. Of course, our highest priority is Pennsylvania. The PTA’s O&D meeting is scheduled for January 4th in Clearfield. At this meeting we’ll finalize our testimony for the Pennsylvania Game Commissioner’s meeting on January 26-27th, 2014.

The PTA continues to receive requests for trapping information from educators and civic group leaders. I thank all our members who have inspired the interest and given us the opportunity to positively influence the public on trapping. The PTA will have a booth at the NEW “Great American Outdoor Show” Feb. 1-9th in Harrisburg. If you would like to work the booth, contact Wayne Gemmill (Show Chairman) at 717-993-5526.

FUTURE EVENTS: Plan to attend the PTA STATE BANQUET on March 8th, 2014, at the Hughesville Fire Company Social Hall, Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Please Contact Joe Mast at 570-568-0175 for tickets or Pete Rake at 570-437-2679 for more information or any donations you would like to contribute.

FTA/PTA JOINT RENDEZVOUS: June 19-21st, 2014 at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

The PTA has a list of planned events and fur sales on our website. We’re working to make this site better and with your help I’m sure we’ll make it a site you’ll want to visit often.

“OUR IMAGE IS OUR FUTURE” — Brian Mohn

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Cable restraints are now legal for use on canines. Please be cautious in the use of this valuable tool. The proper use of this device has been an asset to trappers in capturing canines. Unfortunately, the illegal use of this device has been a discredit to all ethical and responsible trappers.

Beaver season is also in at this time. Be sure to use caution if working on ice.

Just a reminder, please help with the Game Commission’s beaver and or otter study.

The following beaver and otter information is from Tom Hardisky coordinator for these projects:

Beaver Reproduction Project – ongoing. We were unable to gain information on previous pregnancies or litter size from females caught during December and January. I’ll be asking trappers to collect carcasses again this year, but will ask them to increase carcass collection efforts during February and March.

Otter Population Monitoring Project (fecal DNA) – Graduate student Nick Forman was able to detect DNA on 173 otter fecal samples. It appears he will be able to differentiate individual otters based on DNA detected. He will need the help of trappers this winter to locate areas of Bradford, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties where otter frequent.

Please provide assistance with either or both of these ongoing studies. Tom Hardisky may be reached at 570 725 3663 or thardisky@pa.gov. Or you may contact the wildlife management supervisor in your region.

May your 2014 be the most memorable ever. — Barry L. Warner

 

FTA DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Oh Man! It has been a very busy season so far with a bunch of new trappers this season.

As you all know we have teamed up with the FTA for the 2014 PTA-FTA convention. It will be held June 19-21 at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Dave Eckels and the guys always put on a great convention.

I’d like to thank all FTA members who voted for me for the board of directors as it looks like I’ll be in this position for a few more years.

The FTA’s proactive committee has come up with a grant program to help its struggling Chapter’s and Affiliates with the cost of trapper training program’s.

The USSA and the FTA have teamed up to raise money to help fight the anti’s in Maine where they are trying to make bear trapping, hunting with dogs, and hunting over bait a thing of the past. Thank God we have the USSA, NTA and the FTA supporting our rights. As trappers we are constantly under attack by these groups that have the delusion that our wildlife will just take care of itself. Remember Conservation is the wise (USE) of a natural resource! So what does this have to do with you? If you are not a member please consider joining these 4 great organizations: PTA, NTA, FTA and the USSA.

OUR IMAGE IS OUR FUTURE

Thanks and Happy Trappin’. — Bill Kasten

 

DISTRICT 1 REPORT

Hello trappers, I hope everybody is having a great trapping season and creating a lifetime of memories. This year I am seeing trappers from the age of eight to well into their eighties, from all walks of life.

One of the main events that our district is preparing for is our 10th annual gun raffle. it is going to be held on April 5th 2014 at the sparrow pond in Waterford. If any members can donate their time, we will be having our next meeting for the gun raffle on February 23rd. There is a couple of items that need to be brought up. First, remember this is an adult only event, and any person attending the event must be 18 years of age and 21 to drink. Second, to be entered for the sponsor gun the cost is $125.00 cash, not product donations.

Due to the gun raffle being an adult only event we would like to hear feedback from members on the idea of a trappers family picnic.

Any questions or concerns, I can be contacted at 814-823-5429. Our Image Is Our Future — John Chase

 

DISTRICT 2 REPORT

I hope everyone’s season is going well. It’s hard to believe that 2014 is upon us. Throughout the year, please help support the district’s events by volunteering your time. Please mark your calendar with the district’s following events for 2014:

January 12th: Meeting at Happy Hunters Club in Fennelton, Pa. The building will be open at noon, with the meeting starting at 1:00 p.m. There will be food and drinks available, 50/50 raffle, and 5 for $1 table.

February 15th: Annual Fur Sale at Burnt Ridge Club in Cowensville, Pa. Anyone wanting to sell fur needs to be a member of some Trapping Association as well as have their current Fur Takers License with them. There will be a 4% commission on the furs sold. The sale will be from 8 a.m. until 3p.m. No furs will be allowed in the building before 8 a.m. The only exception will be the workers and dealers setting up in the building. Applications will be available for anyone needing to join the association.

March 9th: Meeting at Happy Hunters Club in Fennelton, Pa. The building will be open at noon, with the meeting starting at 1:00 p.m. There will be food and drinks available, 50/50 raffle, and 5 for $1 table.

March 15th: Annual banquet at the VFW in Mars, Pa. The doors will open at 5 p.m.

June 19th through 22nd: Annual State Convention Washington County fairgrounds, Washington, Pa.

July 20th: The picnic at Sugar Creek Park (located off of Rt. 268 west of Kittannning). Please bring a covered dish/dessert to share. Other food and drinks will be provided by the district. Your families are invited to share the afternoon as well.

September 14th: The district’s annual fall expo will be located at East Butler Sportsmen’s club. Dealers should call district 2 for a spot and check availability of tables.

October 12th: Meeting at Happy Hunters Club in Fennelton, Pa. The building will be open at noon, with the meeting starting at 1:00 p.m. There will be food and drinks available, 50/50 raffle, and 5 for $1 table.

 

DISTRICT 3 REPORT

Hello all,

I hope this month’s report finds you all enjoying yourselves in the outdoors, and also in the fur shed. Mother Nature has been showing us who’s in charge here lately, when’s the last time we had 3 shoveling snowfalls in the southwest corner in November? I guess we’ll work through what we’re given.

Not a lot to report this month, but keep your calendar marked for our fur sale, January 26, at the Washington County Fairgrounds. As usual, we’ll have some food available, and it’s a 4% commission.

We will have a convention meeting at the conclusion of the fur sale. It’s usually over by 4 or so, but it depends how much fur comes through the door, and how fast it leaves, so we’ll have to play the meeting time by ear.

Have a Merry Christmas. — Dave Eckels 

 

DISTRICT 9 REPORT

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all members. Hope your holidays are safe and fun-filled.

You should have received your application for the Northeast Regional Coyote Hunt. It will be held January 31, February 1 & 2, 2014. Weigh-in is, as usual, at the Triton Hose Co. in Tunkhannock. Dinner will be held on Sunday. A $25 entry fee will be charged for all early entries. Our feature rifle being raffled this year will be the Kimber Montana in caliber 223 with a Zeiss scope. This was a very popular rifle last year, and we have secured another for this year’s raffle. Tickets will be $5 each, or 3 for $10.

Our fur sale will be held on Saturday, February 8, rather than on Sunday as previously reported. We will be charging 4% commission on all fur sold at the sale again this year. Make sure you bring your furtaker’s license and your membership card.

Our January meeting will be held at the Mitchell Hose Co. in Carbondale. You will receive a post card in the mail with the exact date and time. Hope to see you there.

Here’s wishing you all success on the trapline, and don’t forget our motto: “Our Image is Our Future”. — Ed Price

 

DISTRICT 10 REPORT

Hello to all. Hope everyone’s stretchers are filling up. I am writing this in early November and have not put any sets out yet. I like to wait until at least November 15 to get started.

We will have a planning meeting on January 12 at the Belfast Club. We will be planning the fur auction and other events for 2014. If you have any ideas come out and let us know.

District 10 fur auction will be January 18 at the Belfast Club. Doors open at 8:00 AM, and the sale starts at 9:00. We will be setting up on Friday night at 6:”00. We need help to count fur Saturday morning and kitchen help, running the auction and clean up after the auction. Please come out and support your district. And make sure you bring your furtaker’s license.

Some events that I know of for 2014 are: Northampton County Youth Field Days – June 7 at the Stockertown Club; Conservation Camps in mid-July; Monroe County Youth Field Days – mid-September; Lehigh County Youth Field Days – mid-August; and District 10 Fall Convention – September 26 & 27.

That’s it for now. Happy Holidays to all and good luck the rest of the season. — Scot Mucha, 610-863-9759

 

DISTRICT 11 REPORT

With trapping season in full swing now I don’t have any more time to write an article than you have to read one so I’ll keep this short for both of us. Hopefully your season is going well so far and you are piling up the fur. In my little corner of the world it is much easier to find the fox in the Fur Taker magazine than it is on the trapline. Coon however seem to be in abundance.

Our district fur sale will be held on January 11, 2014 at the Berks Co. 4H center in Bernville PA. Doors open at 7AM, sale starts at 9AM. The kitchen will be open for breakfast at 7 and other goodies throughout the day. You must be a PTA member to sell fur at this sale. All licensed fur buyers are welcome to attend. As in the past there is a $5 registration fee per lot and 4% commission on all sold fur.

Our next business meeting will be at the Conewago Township Bldg in Dauphin Co just off Rte 743 on Feb. 13, 2014 at 7PM.

The Great American Outdoor Show will be Feb 1-9 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Let Wayne Gemmill know if you can help for any amount of time at this event.

OK, get back to what you were doing, have fun, be safe and have the best New Year ever. — Mike Spittle, (717) 367-2637

 

Related Posts

• No Related Posts Found